PhD students needed in the development of next generation high-temperature processes for material production

The high-temperature processes group is looking for PhD students to be part of our work on the next generation heat treatment processes that need to be developed to achieve a net zero emission standard, a challenging and interesting task that will be carried out as a team effort in our group together with industrial partners. The work focuses on heat treatment processes for iron ore and cement production.

Information about the project and the research
As the successful candidate you will work in a project to explore possible process configuration paths that can contribute to transform greenhouse gas emitting industrial processes in Sweden from using fossil fuels to become net negative CO2 emitters by 2045 and beyond. The studied processes require high temperatures and fossil fuels are currently used in combustion-based processes. Potential paths for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions examined in this project includes direct electrification, using thermal plasma systems, and indirect electrification, using hydrogen from water electrolysis. The PhD students that we seek to join our group will conduct both experimental and modelling work in a team effort to develop highly needed knowledge on the critical high-temperature zones of hydrogen and plasma-based processes. Both of these systems need to be adapted to the application of interest and present new ways to design the process but also new challenges. Two main scientific disciplines are of interest: 1) the chemical phenomena occurring in high-temperature and radical-rich systems including the emissions formed, and 2) the radiative and total heat transfer conditions in such systems. The long-term goal is to examine how the plasma and hydrogen-based systems can be optimized and modified to further improve high-temperature heat treatment processes compared to todays’ state-of-the-art conditions.

In the position you will be part of a team that develops our high-temperature research at Chalmers. This includes the design of new parts, new measurement equipment, as well as the installation of hydrogen and plasma systems; next generation high-temperature reactors. Thus, the positions offer for you to join a team of senior researchers, postdocs and PhD students dedicated to research in high-temperature processes and different process strategies to lower greenhouse gas emissions in the cement and iron ore producing industries. All work will be conducted in close collaboration with our industrial partners.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to take responsibility of your part of the described project(s), to publish high-quality research in scientific journals and at conferences. In addition, you will participate in the teaching at the Division of Energy Technology , with courses focusing on technical and system-oriented energy science. You are also expected to actively participate in our research teams’ effort in developing new experimental methods and modelling tools.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must have a MSc level degree in a relevant field, e.g. Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering or equivalent. Familiarity with algebraic modeling languages used in Matlab. Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210571 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV:(Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:(Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 9 January, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Fredrik Normann
E-mai: [email protected]
Phone: +46 31 7721486

Klas Andersson
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +46 31 77252 42

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

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